Brian Lamb’s Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft 5.0

Brian Lamb is the owner of NFL Draft Lounge and has covered the NFL Draft since 2011. Brian is also the owner of the Infinity Sports Network, which NFL Draft Lounge belongs to.

Now that the 2020 NFL Combine is complete, and pro days now under way, it’s time to look forward with my latest 2020 Mock Draft 5.0. This is my first mock draft of the season that involves trades, so it was quite enjoyable to put together. I hope you all enjoy it, and remember to follow NFL Draft Lounge for more NFL Draft content.

Round One

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

We can try to make as much as we want about there being something to Joe Burrow not wanting to play for the Bengals, but I firmly believe that Cincinnati will do all that they can to get him into the building.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Ron Rivera and the Redskins front office has to do their due diligence by bringing in Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa for workouts and interviews. However, Chase Young is, in my opinion, the best player in this class, and should be able to anchor their defensive line long-term.

3. Miami Dolphins Via Detroit Lions ** TRADE **

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

We have our first trade in my mock draft 5.0, folks. The Dolphins are in a unique spot here. There are several teams with quarterback needs, such as the Chargers, Panthers, and maybe even the Raiders, that have the ammunition to sneak in here. It’s going to be costly, but by securing the third overall pick, the Dolphins can nab their quarterback of the future in Tua Tagovailoa.

4. New York Giants

Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

I’ve got the New York Giants staying put here at four overall, so it’s time to find a franchise offensive lineman to protect Daniel Jones. I’m a huge fan of Jedrick Wills, and this move could pay off huge down the line for both parties.

5. Detroit Lions Via Miami Dolphins **TRADE**

Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

By moving down to fifth overall, the Detroit Lions are still able to draft the prospect that we all expect them to, Jeffrey Okudah. Detroit has needs across the board, so moving down provides them with the opportunity to reload in a hurry.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

After the announcement that Philip Rivers and the Chargers would be parting ways, it became clear that one of the top three quarterbacks would find their way to Los Angeles. Justin Herbert has done what he’s needed to do by silencing his critics and proving his ability to lead an NFL franchise.

7. Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn

With head coach Matt Rhule expecting Cam Newton back with the Panthers for 2020, let’s address the talent in the trenches for Carolina. Derrick Brown didn’t have an overwhelming performance at the NFL Combine, but his game film speaks for itself. If Derrick Brown is on the board at seven, and the Panthers opt to stay put, they’re going to get a stud to anchor their interior defensive line.

8. Arizona Cardinals

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Above all, the Cardinals need to surround QB Kyler Murray with talented weapons. With that said, I have CeeDee Lamb as the best receiver on my draft board, period. Put aside the Oklahoma connection for Murray and Lamb, Arizona has to find talent to spread the field.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

Here are a couple reason why this makes sense:

Firstly, the Jaguars are a mess defensively. Secondly, Jacksonville just agreed to send A.J. Bouye to the Broncos. Finally, Isaiah Simmons is a jack-of-all-trades that can play inside linebacker, but also hold his own as a cornerback or safety.

Most importantly, this move just makes sense for both parties.

10. Cleveland Browns

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Mekhi Becton did what he needed to do at the 2020 NFL Combine to solidify his draft position here. Mekhi Becton has quickly risen up draft boards, as proven here in my mock draft 5.0. It’s going to be really interesting to see where he winds up in April, but I do believe that Cleveland is the first realistic option.

11. New York Jets

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

If the Jets can pair QB Sam Darnold with an impactful receiver such as Jerry Jeudy, it’s a win-win for all involved. This class might be the most talented at the receiver position, so if New York can grab the second best receiver at eleventh overall, it’s a steal.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

While it is unconventional, let’s go back-to-back with Alabama receivers coming off the draft board. Ruggs posted an official 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds at the 2020 NFL Combine. He wasn’t able to break John Ross’ record, however, he’s still pretty damn fast. Adding speed to the Raiders offense should be a priority for the front office.

13. Indianapolis Colts

Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina

Let’s assume that the weak link in the Colts organization isn’t just the quarterback position. With the top three quarterbacks off the board, I believe that Indianapolis can show some patience and upgrade talent at another position. With that being said, I’m a fan of Javon Kinlaw and the fight that he’ll bring to a defensive front.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Given the rise of Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas has seen his draft stock take a hit. It’s unclear what will happen with the Quarterback situation in Tampa Bay, however, one of their biggest needs should still be to keep their quarterback upright. Andrew Thomas has been impressive throughout his collegiate career and should be a day one starter in the NFL.

15. Denver Broncos

Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

The LSU Tigers were loaded with talent in 2019, especially on defense. Kristian Fulton was a two-year starter for the Tigers, but really stood out in 2019. Even though the Broncos have a deal in place to acquire A.J. Bouye from the Jaguars, I think they could still draft Fulton, let him develop for a year or two, and reload their secondary.

16. Atlanta Falcons

K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Here we are once again trying to fix the Atlanta Falcons, finishing 2019 with a record of 7-9. I’m going to give them a speedy edge rusher in the form of K’Lavon Chaisson in my mock draft 5.0. The franchise could also target C.J. Henderson or Grant Delpit here.

17. Dallas Cowboys

C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

There’s a simple thought process here – take the best available defensive back. At this point in my mock draft 5.0, it’s between C.J. Henderson and Grant Delpit. Let’s take the prospect with a lower floor, even if it might take him a bit longer to stay on the field.

18. Miami Dolphins Via Pittsburgh Steelers

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Wirfs talent was on display at the 2020 NFL Combine. He did all he needed to do to prove himself and reserve his spot in the first round. Tristan Wirfs is going to be tasked with protecting Tua Tagovailoa in this mock draft, which he’s more than capable of doing.

19. Las Vegas Raiders Via Chicago Bears

Grant Delpit, S, LSU

I’m aware that the Raiders took Johnathan Abram in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to see the Raiders add another defensive back here. Grant Delpit is talented enough to play in various roles in the secondary, as he did for LSU.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars Via Los Angeles Rams

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Jacksonville appears to be cleaning house and preparing to reload with new talent. A.J. Epenesa didn’t test exceptionally well at the NFL Combine in terms of athleticism, but it’s not a surprise based on his film. The Jaguars would get a bull rushing defensive end that imposes his will on offensive linemen.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

In a wide receiving class that’s loaded with talent, Justin Jefferson is one prospect that continues to stand out and rise up draft boards. The Eagles need to find a playmaking receiver that can contribute at a high-level, which seems to fit right into Jefferson’s strengths.

22. Buffalo Bills

Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR, Colorado

Despite a core injury, Shenault was still able to run a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine. What I was really impressed with when I wrote my scouting report for Laviska Shenault Jr. was his ability to maintain a high-level of production despite less than stellar quarterback play.

23. New England Patriots

Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Regardless of how the quarterback situation in New England plays out, the Patriots will still have to address their offensive line. I have Josh Jones as the best available tackle left on my draft board. He may not be as polished as other prospects, but he does have the traits and skillset to succeed.

24. New Orleans Saints

Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Heading into the 2020 NFL Combine, Reagor was predicted to be one of the fastest receivers in the 40-yard dash. His 4.47 time didn’t set the world on fire, but he’ll have a chance to improve on that at the TCU pro day on March 27th. Nonetheless, the Saints adding Jalen Reagor to their roster will open up the field and take pressure off Drew Brees and Michael Thomas.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Flip a coin between addressing needs up front in the trenches or finding a cornerback in the secondary. At this point in my mock draft 5.0, Jeff Gladney is the best available for the Vikings.

26. Detroit Lions Via Miami Dolphins **TRADE**

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Detroit is back on the clock here as a result of the trade at three overall. I have to admit that it was quite tempting to pick one of the remaining quarterbacks, such as Jordan Love or Jacob Eason. Instead, I have the Lions drafting Xavier McKinney, one of my favorite safeties in this draft class.

27. Carolina Panthers Via Seattle Seahawks **TRADE**

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Carolina is back on the clock in the first round after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady worked wonders with Joe Burrow this season at LSU, and it’s quite possible that we see him do it again with the next Panthers franchise quarterback.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

If the Ravens want to remain viable contenders in the AFC North, they’ll have to find talent at the wide receiver position. Denzel Mims has seen his draft stock rise since the end of the season, so it’s certainly possible to see him off the board here.

29. Tennessee Titans

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

Gross-Matos is a raw edge rusher that has the tools to succeed at the next level. He’s going to be a bit of a project, but if a team can refine his skillset, they could very well develop him into an everyday starter.

30. Green Bay Packers

Austin Jackson, OT, USC

There has been some buzz about the Packers possibly using this pick to find the heir apparent for QB Aaron Rodgers. Instead, I’m going to draft some offensive line help. Austin Jackson was a solid offensive tackle for USC, but showed some struggles with inside power moves. A move to guard might be better suited for a prospect like Austin Jackson.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Linebacker isn’t a pressing need for the 49ers, but Queen is excellent value here at the end of the first. Patrick Queen is an instinctual inside backer that has great athleticism.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Finding a spot for a running back wasn’t easy in my mock draft 5.0. I really like what D’Andre Swift has to offer, especially after posting a 4.48 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine. It’s going to be on Andy Reid to find a role for him, but Swift is a versatile prospect that will be able to contribute at a high level on day one.